Building reactor

[PeterEde]

I found had an unused under sink filter canister. So what to make of it?
It was going to be a sulfur reactor or zeolite but now? Charcoal or Calcium?
Laser cut separators. Live hinge so adjust to internal dimensions od canister.
Separators to suit different media

 

[PeterC99]

If there is a way to get a light source around it, you could make a chaeto Refugium reactor.

 

[PeterEde]

If there is a way to get a light source around it, you could make a chaeto Refugium reactor.

I could buy a clear canister bottom

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'm not seeing how you would load it with a particulate media.

 

[PeterEde]

I'm not seeing how you would load it with a particulate media.

The top fitting comes off as do the clear separators. It works
Next question is what glue is ok to use. Typical plumbers blue PVC glue? The stuff that stinks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The top fitting comes off as do the clear separators. It works
Next question is what glue is ok to use. Typical plumbers blue PVC glue? The stuff that stinks

Didn't help me understand. Would you put the media in a bag or something? I do not see how you add and contain loose particulate media.

 

[PeterEde]

Didn't help me understand. Would you put the media in a bag or something? I do not see how you add and contain loose particulate media.

separators are the internal dia of the canister. No media gets pass them. Media must be larger than the holes.
Water pumped in the top, down the center pipe. Out the bottom and up through the media and out the top.

Alternatively use just one media and no need for separators

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

separators are the internal dia of the canister. No media gets pass them. Media must be larger than the holes.
Water pumped in the top, down the center pipe. Out the bottom and up through the media and out the top.

Alternatively use just one media and no need for separators

Maybe my confusion is not seeing the bottom of the device.

Would you just fill the bottom cylinder (not shown) with particles (like sand) and ram the middle tube down into it?

Can you walk me through the "this is how I fill it" method?

 

[PeterEde]

Maybe my confusion is not seeing the bottom of the device.

Would you just fill the bottom cylinder (not shown) with particles (like sand) and ram the middle tube down into it?

Can you walk me through the "this is how I fill it" method?

The center tube goes in first. There are holes around the bottom to allow water out.
Place media around the tube to desired level and placed a separator on top. Put the lid on.
Inlet tube to pump in sump. Water in the top, down the center and rises up through the media and out

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The center tube goes in first. There are holes around the bottom to allow water out.
Place media around the tube to desired level and placed a separator on top. Put the lid on.
Inlet tube to pump in sump. Water in the top, down the center and rises up through the media and out

OK, I get it.

Sounds like its good for GAC and large media, but not GFO if you want to move it a bit since you cannot see in.

I mix of GFO and GAC may be fine.

 

[PeterEde]

OK, I get it.

Sounds like its good for GAC and large media, but not GFO if you want to move it a bit since you cannot see in.

I mix of GFO and GAC may be fine.

It was just a canister I had unused. I could buy a clear case.
I was intending to use Sulphur or Zeolite but my Nitrates appear to be moving in the right direction.
Maybe just charcoal or calcium if needed

 

[PeterEde]

Reactor in and running.
Loaded half charcoal and 1/3 purigen.
Tank Nitrate 28ppm
Reactor output 18ppm

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Reactor in and running.
Loaded half charcoal and 1/3 purigen.
Tank Nitrate 28ppm
Reactor output 18ppm

Not sure I believe the media (any media) can lower nitrate. That difference may be test error.

 

[PeterEde]

Will test only tank today and see if it's dropped from 28

 

[Sean Clark]

I would open up those slots a bit so they don't clog up easily.

 

[PeterEde]

I would open up those slots a bit so they don't clog up easily.

I can make what ever separators I need. Original was 2mm holes but that lets through purigen so the next is a live hinge. The slotted one is flexible and yes may need to be opened more. I ended up putting purigen in a bag